Behold, this is Cotonou in six images.

The Gate of No Return, commemorating the site where millions of slaves were
marched down the beach and onto waiting slave ships.

Women selling African fabrics in the Dantokpa market.  Colorful fabric is a big
part of everyday Beninese life.  Marketwomen are somewhat the lifeblood of the
economy.

The forested hillsides of Pendjari park and the Atakora mountains: one of
precious few areas in Benin that have a somewhat wild feel to them.  Downtown
Cotonou: busy streets, a rising skyline.

Aerial view of Cotonou, including the mouth of the river of death itself.

Aerial view of the Port of Cotonou, including the remnants of the old wooded
pier (ca. WWII).

Note: none of these photos are my own; rather they were assembled from
professional sources by the Council for the Promotion of Private Investment,
who I hope will agree that my posting them helps their cause.  Thanks for the
loan!